MONTPELIER, Vt. — Vermont Democrats took back two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate in the Nov. 3 election, giving them enough votes to override Republican Gov. Phil Scott and pass bills without his signature, Seven Days, Vermont Public and WCAX reported. Democrats lost that margin in 2024.

Scott still won a record sixth term, defeating Democrat/Progressive Amanda Janoo by seven points, according to WCAX and VTDigger. WCAX said it was the closest of his six races. Seven Days reported he was the lone Republican to win statewide.

The counts are unofficial and do not agree. Vermont Public, citing secretary of state figures, reported House Democrats climbing from 87 to 102 and Senate Democrats from 17 to 20, with Senate Republicans dropping from 13 to eight. Seven Days also put Senate Democrats at 20 but said they held 16 before. WCAX reported 22 Senate seats and 112 House seats without saying whether Progressives were included. VTDigger, citing party leaders, said Democrats and Progressives combined would hold at least two-thirds of the House, with several races undecided on Wednesday.

VTDigger reported Democrats won Senate seats in Orange, Addison and Grand Isle counties and the Chittenden-North district, while former Rutland County Sen. Dave Wolk, an independent, ousted Republican Sen. Terry Williams.

"I certainly think it's safe to say we are surprised," Democratic Party Chair Lachlan Francis told VTDigger. Republican Party Chair Paul Dame told VTDigger that voter frustration with the Trump administration was probably the biggest cause. "Pretty much all the gains that we had (the) last two years are essentially wiped out," he said.

Senate Minority Leader Scott Beck, R-Caledonia County, told WCAX that backlash against President Trump hurt his party, and he predicted a tougher session. Seven Days reported Beck kept his own seat by fewer than 200 votes.

Washington County Sen. Andrew Perchlik, a Democrat, told Vermont Public he would rather work with the governor but that the new margins open the door to ideas Scott opposes, such as a surcharge on income above $500,000.

"I will continue doing what I believe is right for this state," Scott said in his victory speech, WCAX reported. He is to present his inaugural address and budget in January.